14 DAY TRIAL // Samsung Vibrant (SGH-t959), the Galaxy S version that landed at T-Mobile, has recently received a new software update, aimed at enhancing the GPS functionality of the high-end mobile phone, namely the JI6 software. The solution was announced not too long ago, and should be pushed out to users over the air, meaning that all that they would need to do when notified on the update's availability is to download it.
Here's what Samsung notes on the matter: “The updates will be pushed to devices over the next few weeks. If you do not wish to wait for the push or you are having difficulty installing, you can update to JI6 via Kies Mini PC software.”
Those users interested in downloading and installing the update on their handsets before Samsung sends it over the air on their devices should head over to this page on Samsung's website to find the Kies Mini software and download it on their computers.
They would need to use a computer running a 32bit version of Windows, on which they need administrative privileges. The antivirus program should be disabled during the installation.
Any previous version of Kies Mini should be uninstalled from the computer, and the mobile phone would then have to be connected to the PC via a USB cable.
After downloading and installing the desktop software, one would need to make the handset ready for the update.
On the Vibrant, when on the homescreen, users would have to hit Menu Key> Settings> Applications> USB settings> then tap 'Ask on connection' and press the Home key.
The phone would then have to be connected to the computer via the said USB cable. When selecting Samsung Kies from the phone, the PC would have to recognize a few devices and install the necessary drivers.
This is the moment when one can start installing the JI6 update, through launching Kies Mini with the phone plugged to the computer, and then selecting Phone Upgrade and following the on screen instructions.
There are a wide range of enhancements included in the new software, in addition to the said GPS improvements, including some fixes, new additions and more.
The release notes for the software update also includes: Improvements: Avatar: Added checking routine for file corruption Swype: Applied updated build of Swype Thinkfree Office: Applied updated build of ThinkFree Office GMS: The Google Mobile Services has been updated DLNA: Backbone updated Kernel: 3D library patch Telenav: APK updated Kies: Can now be quit with Home key Hard Reset: When performing a hardware key reset, more data is erased
Modifications: Radio: 3G antenna bar patch SNS Sync: The default interval value for synchronizing has been changed Task Manager: String change to Internal Memory
Additions: Media Hub: Samsung Media Hub is now available Message Alert: Alert message added for Yahoo email over WiFi
Fixes: Ringtone: Ringtone disappearing corrected Silent Mode: No sounds play after unchecking silent mode Feeds & Updates: Force close problem addressed Calendar: Force close problem addressed Contacts: Unknown name addressed SNS: Contact sync error addressed MMS: Out of memory exception addressed
As stated above, Samsung plans on sending the new update to all Vibrant users in a matter of weeks, but, in case there are some who would like to update the handset on their own, they should find all the necessary info on the matter on Samsung's website here.